Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. Welcome!
Join Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, make new music friends. Share your photos, music clips and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask beginner questions! All are welcome here no matter your playing style, skill level, or musical tastes. Become a member of Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) community -it's friendly and totally FREE!
After joining, please read the Site Rules before posting. You'll find your very own Member Profile Page by clicking on your name link in the drop menus. Click on various links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . You've come to the right place to receive free help and encouragement in playing music. Here on FOTMD we all learn from each other as friends. Join our block party! -Strumelia
Latest Activity
@john-c-knopf
• 42 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Questions regarding two dulcimers I got from an auction":
Posted a response to "Questions regarding two dulcimers I got from an auction":
"All of these strings may be old or rusty. If they aren't new, consider replacing them with the same types."
@ken-longfield
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Questions regarding two dulcimers I got from an auction":
Posted a response to "Questions regarding two dulcimers I got from an auction":
"What style of playing are you planning to start with? These dulcimers are most suitable for noter or finger dancing style and playing in a 1 - 5 - 5 tuning..."
@richard-streib
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Questions regarding two dulcimers I got from an auction":
Posted a response to "Questions regarding two dulcimers I got from an auction":
"Regarding Nostrings4 image. You can see the elongated holes where the string anchors once were indicating that string tension may have pulled those string..."
@studentofrhythm
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Savior, Redeemer of My Soul
Savior, Redeemer of My Soul
@studentofrhythm
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Solid body electric dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Solid body electric dulcimer":
"I have built up a modest pedalboard: distortion, chorus, reverb. The reverb pedal is fantastic! I'm going to have a lot of fun with this.
This morning I..."
@robin-thompson
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "FOTMD one year anniversary on July 29th, 2010 !":
Posted a response to "FOTMD one year anniversary on July 29th, 2010 !":
"Wow, FOTMD has passed 17 years online! This is me now waving around my noter: "
@strumelia
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @strumelia: FOTMD one year anniversary on July 29th, 2010 !
Liked a forum discussions item created by @strumelia: FOTMD one year anniversary on July 29th, 2010 !
@matt-berg
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Questions regarding two dulcimers I got from an auction":
Posted a response to "Questions regarding two dulcimers I got from an auction":
"Is it physically possible to remove three strings, of course. Will you end up with a payable instrument, maybe. My thought is to leave all the strings, but..."
@jerhenning
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 383
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thanks for the kind welcome, I really appreciate it."
@richard-streib
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @jerhenning:
Posted a new Comment on @jerhenning:
"So glad you joined jerHenning. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Like Kenl said, there are folks here who build and repair dulcimers. I am sure a..."
@jerhenning
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 548
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thank you, I just posted a thread in the Problems and Questions section with some good pics and hopefully good explanations. Thanks for the welcome and I..."
@jerhenning
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Questions regarding two dulcimers I got from an auction":
Created a new forum topic "Questions regarding two dulcimers I got from an auction":
"Hello there, I am new to the community and new to dulcimers, so I am learning how to play and maintain them. I recently purchased two dulcimers at an..."
@robin-thompson
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Play Music on the Porch Day 2026":
Posted a response to "Play Music on the Porch Day 2026":
"@homer-ross Many thanks! Hoping others will share how they marked worldwide PMOTPD! "
@homer-ross
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Play Music on the Porch Day 2026":
Posted a response to "Play Music on the Porch Day 2026":
"Very enjoyable. Thank you for sharing."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Waltz from Rättvik after Gans Erik
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Waltz from Rättvik after Gans Erik
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @jerhenning:
Posted a new Comment on @jerhenning:
"Welcome to FOTMD, JerHenning. It's good to have you aboard. There are some of us here who build and repair mountain dulcimers. Ask your questions and post..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dar:
Posted a new Comment on @dar:
"Dar, vibrating string length isn't an issue in noter/drone style playing. The size of the dulcimer might be in terms of balancing it on your lap. The Warren..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Play Music on the Porch Day 2026":
Created a new forum topic "Play Music on the Porch Day 2026":
"Please, feel free to share your recordings for PMOTPD 2026 in this thread! "
@mark-gilston
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Waltz from Rättvik after Gans Erik
Waltz from Rättvik after Gans Erik
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 548
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Dar it seems to me that you really like the mountain dulcimer and noter drone style of playing. It is too bad that you were discouraged in the past. I play..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Solid body electric dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Solid body electric dulcimer":
"Jamie, that makes a lot of sense to me. Electric instruments can be much more responsive, which can make subtle differences in play more noticeable.
I have a..."
@dar
• 2 days ago
• comments: 548
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"I'm thinking about trying the mountain dulcimer again. Many years ago I tried Noter/Drone and liked it but was discouraged by folks and switched to hammered..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @bridgette-downer:
Posted a new Comment on @bridgette-downer:
"Glad you joined. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. I am hoping the mountain dulcimer is the instrument for you. For those of us who love, it is a..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dar:
Posted a new Comment on @dar:
"Dar, it so good to have you join. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. There is a lot of information here about the mountain dulcimer. Look around..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @barlise2000:
Posted a new Comment on @barlise2000:
"Glad you joined Barlise2000. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is a very active forum with a wide base of topics. Look around and see what..."
@wally-venable
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Is attending an Event:
Traditional Music Day at Pricketts Fort
Traditional Music Day at Pricketts Fort
@wally-venable
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new Event:
Traditional Music Day at Pricketts Fort
Traditional Music Day at Pricketts Fort
@bridgette-downer
• 3 days ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on @john-c-knopf:
Posted a new Comment on @john-c-knopf:
"Nice, I'm following!!"
@dusty
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @robin-thompson: Fly high, Dolly Parton
Liked a forum discussions item created by @robin-thompson: Fly high, Dolly Parton
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @bridgette-downer:
Posted a new Comment on @bridgette-downer:
"Now there is a great bargain! John does a great job of building dulcimers, most from scratch. This McSpadden kit is a real beauty and well worth the price...."
@john-c-knopf
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @bridgette-downer:
Posted a new Comment on @bridgette-downer:
"Bridgette, I have a McSpadden kit-built dulcimer on eBay now, and it's at just $197.50 or so at this time. Just another possible option for you.
Look up:..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @bridgette-downer:
Posted a new Comment on @bridgette-downer:
"Bridgette, I check the House of Musical Traditions web site and they only have two mountain dulcimers at the moment. I would not recommend the Lucky Diamond..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fly high, Dolly Parton ":
Posted a response to "Fly high, Dolly Parton ":
"Thanks for sharing the video @alex-lubet! I'd seen it on YT some time ago yet had forgotten all about it. "
@bridgette-downer
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dezi: Dulcimer to Gift
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dezi: Dulcimer to Gift
@leny-sue
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Going to Louisiana in the morning.:
Posted a new Comment on Going to Louisiana in the morning.:
"I grew up in SW La and heard a lot of Cajun music during those years. Enjoyed your tune!"
@alex-lubet
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fly high, Dolly Parton ":
Posted a response to "Fly high, Dolly Parton ":
"Dolly on dulcimer. Apologies if I missed this posted earlier."
@bridgette-downer
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer to Gift":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer to Gift":
"Hi Dezi,
I'm committing to learning the dulcimer after years of trying different instruments! I would definitely love yours and put lots of effort into..."
@bridgette-downer
• 3 days ago
• comments: 548
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thank you for the warm welcome Ken! I will check out The House of Musical Traditions."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @bridgette-downer:
Posted a new Comment on @bridgette-downer:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Bridgette. It's good to have you aboard. The mountain dulcimer is a wonderful instrument with a pleasant sound. If you can travel down to..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dar:
Posted a new Comment on @dar:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Dar. It's good to have you aboard. As you know mountain and hammered dulcimers are two very different instruments. Those of us who play..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @barlise2000:
Posted a new Comment on @barlise2000:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Barlise2000. It's good to have you aboard. Have fun exploring this site. Ask questions if you don't find information that interests you. We..."
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
"That is great to hear, Jon! Well done."
@dusty
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
"Jon, it's nice to hear how the uke folks welcomed you. If they are already teasing you about your instrument, you're in!
Don't worry about the G7 chord...."
@lilley-pad
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT":
"Just a little follow-up on my experiment with the ukulele / my dulcimer experiment.
The ukulele group said they didn't mind me sitting in, in fact they were..."
@noah-cline
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Curly Ash Teardrop Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Curly Ash Teardrop Dulcimer":
"Thank you, Richard and Strumelia.
Thanks, Ken. I think I understand what you’re saying. The tuners are mounted with the knobs facing up, and with the shaft..."
@phil-myers
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Going to Louisiana in the morning.
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Going to Louisiana in the morning.
@strumelia
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fly high, Dolly Parton ":
Posted a response to "Fly high, Dolly Parton ":
"Dolly Parton was a kind and extraordinary person, and a marvelous musician."
@ken-longfield
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Curly Ash Teardrop Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Curly Ash Teardrop Dulcimer":
"That's a beautiful dulcimer Noah. It sounds very nice. I bet it really sings when it isn't played on top of a blanket. I do have one question. Shouldn't the..."
@ken-longfield
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fly high, Dolly Parton ":
Posted a response to "Fly high, Dolly Parton ":
"Dolly was a genuine and generous person true to her roots in eastern Tennessee. Obviously her talent and outlook on life carried her far in her 80 years. My..."
Join a Group! All
Beginner players
Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...
If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making
A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking
A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players
a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History &...
Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group
A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
Latest Videos
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Latest Forum Posts All
Questions regarding two...
Posted: Sunday August 30 2026, 3:03 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Solid body electric dulcimer
Posted: Sunday August 30 2026, 12:35 PM
By: @StudentofRhythm
By: @StudentofRhythm
FOTMD one year anniversary...
Posted: Sunday August 30 2026, 10:57 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Play Music on the Porch Day...
Posted: Saturday August 29 2026, 6:58 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Fly high, Dolly Parton
Posted: Thursday August 27 2026, 3:42 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Dulcimer to Gift
Posted: Thursday August 27 2026, 9:58 AM
By: @Bridgette Downer
By: @Bridgette Downer
Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT
Posted: Wednesday August 26 2026, 9:06 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Curly Ash Teardrop Dulcimer
Posted: Wednesday August 26 2026, 11:13 AM
By: @Noah Cline
By: @Noah Cline
Has anyone Heard of the...
Posted: Monday August 24 2026, 4:57 PM
By: @nattyice1252
By: @nattyice1252
Danish folk group which...
Posted: Monday August 24 2026, 9:34 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
what gauge strings ?
Posted: Sunday August 23 2026, 11:10 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Porch Music
Posted: Friday August 21 2026, 7:03 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Old-style McSpadden...
Posted: Thursday August 20 2026, 2:27 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
McSpadden 'Skunk Stripe'...
Posted: Thursday August 20 2026, 12:47 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Change For Sale Listing Price
Posted: Monday August 17 2026, 9:09 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Selling Folkcraft CSH...
Posted: Monday August 17 2026, 9:07 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Box Dulcimer Project
Posted: Sunday August 16 2026, 9:57 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Traditional dulcimer makers
Posted: Saturday August 15 2026, 4:11 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
favorite fiddle tunes to...
Posted: Friday August 14 2026, 5:01 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Humidifier for dulcimers
Posted: Wednesday August 12 2026, 9:43 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Dulcimer lessons
Posted: Monday August 10 2026, 8:57 PM
By: @Luthier
By: @Luthier
Is this Ruggs and Jackel...
Posted: Friday August 7 2026, 1:36 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
David Field dulcimers
Posted: Sunday August 2 2026, 9:54 AM
By: @prairieschooner
By: @prairieschooner
Happy Birthday America
Posted: Friday July 31 2026, 4:21 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
What Are You Working On?
Posted: Friday July 31 2026, 10:46 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Wednesday July 29 2026, 3:41 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Eaa Tuning
Posted: Wednesday July 29 2026, 10:05 AM
By: @tonyg
By: @tonyg
How are you dealing with...
Posted: Wednesday July 29 2026, 7:15 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Gayageum
Posted: Friday July 24 2026, 5:37 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Mountain Dulcimer and Hurdy...
Posted: Wednesday July 22 2026, 7:27 PM
By: @Bob
By: @Bob
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
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Benjamin Barr  |
Richard Streib  |
Ken Longfield  |
Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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